There are several types of government, each with its own structure and principles. A democracy allows citizens to participate in decision-making, often through voting. In contrast, an autocracy is ruled by a single individual with absolute power, while an oligarchy is governed by a small group of people. Another common type is a republic, where representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the citizens. Monarchies can be either absolute, where the monarch has full control, or constitutional, where their powers are limited by law. Each type influences how laws are made and how power is distributed.